Towards a comparative ecology of cities and towns

Abstract

Introduction: Much urban ecology to date has focused on the ecology of individual cities and towns, with limited comparison or synthesis of results. However, comparative studies between cities and between taxonomic groups are needed to improve our understanding of the structure and function of urban ecosystems, and to identify general principles such as patterns of biodiversity loss or changes to soil processes following urbanisation. The Melbourne Urban Ecology Workshop on the comparative ecology of cities and towns brought together researchers representing a diversity of continents, disciplinary backgrounds and approaches, with the aim of developing a conceptual and practical framework for..